Welcome to the SAHRIS Version 2 Site.

Please test out the available features and give us some feedback or send us a help ticket.

The archived version 1 site will be available on https://sahris.sahra.org.za/archive for inquiries and queries for cases that have not yet been closed - no processing will be allowed on the old system as all processing now takes place here. Please bear with us while we complete the migration of the associated sites and objects data - cases have been completely migrated for launch.

To start a tour of the HOME page click HERE

To create your first site click HERE

SAHRA Processing Fees/ Banking Details

See schedule of fees attached to this guide.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING ONLY APPLIES TO APPLICATIONS MADE TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY (SAHRA).

Following comments received on the proposed Revised Schedule of Fees for applications made to the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), made in terms of Section 25(2)(l) of the National Heritage Resources Act No. 25 of 1999 (NHRA) and published in the Government Gazette of 22 July 2022, SAHRA hereby publishes the final Revised Schedule of Fees for Applications made to SAHRA, the Guideline and Schedule of which is contained hereunder.

Applications for provision of services submitted to the South African Heritage Resources Authority (SAHRA), in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999 (NHRA) must be accompanied by a payment of the appropriate fee, taking effect from 1 January 2023 for the following applications:

PERMIT APPLICATIONS
 

All permit applications made to SAHRA shall be charged as follows:

2. DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
All requests for input from SAHRA for development applications shall be charged as follows:

3. OTHER SERVICES
All other services provided by SAHRA shall be charged as follows:

¹ Where such a structure or place is older than 60 years or protected in terms of Section 27 or Section 29
² Where such a structure or place is older than 60 years or protected in terms of Section 27 or Section 29
³ This includes pre-approval inspection/investigation, assessment, and identification of heritage objects by SAHRA (export or archaeological or palaeontological material in private collections is excluded)
⁴ Inclusive of R2,000.00 service fee and all related travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses at cost

Exemptions:
Charges may be waived, at the discretion of SAHRA’s CEO, for certain permit applications.

In addition to the levying of fees SAHRA may, in terms of section 48(1)(d) of the NHRA and Regulation 3(1) and (2) of  Government Notice 21239 (2 June 2000), require that a financial deposit is lodged with it against the satisfactory completion of the action for which the permit is required.

PAYMENT:

Payment may be made by depositing the relevant amount into the SAHRA bank account and producing the proof of payment (stamped deposit slip, internet banking confirmation, etc.).

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS NOT ACCOMPANIED BY PROOF OF PAYMENT MAY NOT BE PROCESSED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A WAIVER FROM THE CEO.

Bank: ABSA
Account Holder: SAHRA 
Account No: 406 416 0070  
Account type: Cheque Account
Branch Code: 632005
SWIFT Code: ABSAZAJJ
Reference: For Permits: SAHRIS Case ID number, type of application and unit responsible (e.g. 12345/27/APM)
 For development applications: SAHRIS Case ID number, type of application (e.g. 12345/38.8)

Please upload the proof of payment to the "proof of payment" field on page on your application.

SAHRA Paleo Sensitivity Map Guideline

The fossil sensitivity map is an important step forward in the proactive management of palaeontological and geological heritage resources. The map will guide and assist developers, heritage officers and practitioners in screening palaeontologically sensitive areas at the earliest stages of the development cycle. 

This map is available on the SAHRIS mapping system as a layer that can be switched on and off. The different colours on the map represent different levels of estimated palaeontological sensitivity.

The map can be used in conjunction with the inventory of Fossil Heritage Layers on SAHRIS. This data has been taken from the Palaeotechnical reports compiled by Dr Almond, Dr Pether and Dr Groenewald and provide information on the kinds of fossil heritage known from geological formations in South Africa as well as the approximate age of the formations and the fossil sensitivity of the formations. The palaeotechnical project is continuing and as more information is provided, the Fossil Heritage Layers will be updated with new information.

MUCH Permits and Inquiries:

Link to MUCH Permit Policy

Q. Do I need a permit to survey an historical shipwreck?

A. A pre-disturbance permit is required to survey a historic shipwreck, or to take any survey equipment (such as an ROV, magnetometer or metal detector, sonar equipment, etc.) onto or over a wreck, be it on land or in the sea or internal waters of South Africa. Permits are also required to search for wrecks.

Q. Do I need a permit from SAHRA to salvage shipwrecks less than 60 years old?

A. A permit is not required from SAHRA if the vessel wrecked less than 60 years ago unless that wreck has heritage significance according to SAHRA. However, to salvage a more modern wreck a salvage permit must be sought from the South African Revenue Service. If you are uncertain about this, please contact us and we will guide you. 

Q. Do I need a permit to visit historic shipwrecks?

A. No, a permit is not required to visit or dive on historic wrecks, however it must be remembered that any wrecks over 60 years of age are protected under the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999). As such it is illegal to damage the wreck in any way, remove parts of the wreck or take any souvenirs. Please leave the wreck as you found it so that others who come after you can enjoy it too!

Q. What wrecks are heritage resources? 

A. All vessels or aircraft that wrecked in South African waters more than 60 years ago, and vessels that wrecked less than 60 years ago that have heritage value according to SAHRA, are considered heritage resources and are covered by SAHRA’s Wreck Resources Permit Policy. If you are uncertain whether the wreck is considered a heritage resource, please contact us. 

Q. What qualifications are needed to work on historical shipwrecks?

A. Any person wishing to apply for a permit to excavate or take a sample from any wreck resource(s) must be a qualified archaeologist. Any person wishing to apply for a permit for the mitigation and/or emergency relocation for any wreck resource(s) may be required to work in collaboration with a qualified archaeologist. The Wreck Resources Policy defines this as “a person in possession of a minimum of a Masters degree in archaeology, OR a minimum of [a Bachelor of] Honours degree in archaeology with demonstrable formal experience in the field of archaeology.
 

Q. Why is in situ preservation of wrecks and their artefacts preferred?

A. In line with the 2001 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, the preferred preservation method is in situ until the appropriate methods and resources are available. Archaeological sites and objects are finite and non-renewable historic resources. It is therefore often a preferred option to leave sites and objects in situ and untouched. This is due to a number of reasons including the high costs associated with excavation and preservation, lack of appropriate expertise and resources, lack of knowledge and an under capacitated field. Excavation is destructive, therefore clear research objectives are essential because there is only one chance to do it properly. 

Permit Documentation Requirements:

Detailed project design with a clear motivation for the type of work applied for and detailed method statement.

POP of fee payment

Location of project area/site as a KML (or similar) file

Qualifications of permit applicant and project team members (where applicable)

Proof of funding (where applicable)

Curatorial agreement with a recognised depository/museum (where applicable)

APM Permits and Inquiries:

Link to APM Policies

Q. What is the APM (s35) permit application fee?

A. S35 excavation/collection/export/destructive analysis: R800; filming at an APM National Heritage Site: R2000. 

Q. Do I require a destructive analysis from the PHRA for my export application?

A. Yes, if destructive analysis of material is involved. Some PHRA excavation permits make provisions for sampling/destructive analysis for dating, in which case the excavation permit can form part of the application.

Q. When do I require a filming permit from SAHRA?

A. Any reproduction in two or three dimensions for profit at a National Heritage Site requires a permit from SAHRA.

Q. How long does APM take to issue a permit?

A. A maximum of 30 days but usually less than that depending on our workload.

Q. How do I submit an APM permit report?

A. Permit reports must be emailed to apmpermitreports@sahra.org.za using the template in the following link: https://sahris.sahra.org.za/content/apmpermitreports. Please note that letters from curators confirming the receipt or return of material are required to be appended to reports for temporary export permits and excavation permits as well as destructive analysis permits unless this was done at the repository.

Q. How can I get an invoice/receipt for the fee?

A. Please email the relevant APM Heritage Officer.

Q. Do I need a permit for maintenance activities at an archaeological, palaeontological or geological site?

A. Yes, a maintenance permit is required for activities such as fire break, vegetation clearing, building of structures, replacement of boardwalks, signage etc. However, maintenance can also be part of an excavation permit, in which case no further maintenance permit is required.

Q. How do I renew/extend my permit?

A. If the permit has not expired please email the relevant heritage Officer at least one month prior to the expiry of the permit. If the permit has expired you will need a to create a new application.

Q. Will I get a new permit if I have outstanding permit reports?

A. No, only in rare cases do we make exemptions.

Q. How do I submit a Site Management Plan?

A. Please create a case on SAHRIS and upload it.

Permit Documentation Requirements:

The reports should be accompanied be the following documents (where possible):

A geographic map (at least 1:10 000 or 1:50 000), clearly indicating the location of the site (for single site excavations);

Map indicating (major) collection points including GPS coordinates (for surface collections);

Detailed site diagrams;

Receipt/written confirmation from curating institution confirming that the material was received;

A detailed stratigraphic diagram for the site, showing the relevant excavated layers, the positioning of collected samples etc.

High quality photographs of sites, stratigraphic sequences and a representative sample of excavated artefacts;

Copies of all digital field-notes;

.pdf copies of publications and theses in connection with this permit (if “in press, in review, submitted or in prep”, indicate the journal it is planned to be published in).

Export/ Sampling Permit Guideline

Please note an export permit must be linked to an object that has to be created on SAHRIS! If the object you want to work on has not been created yet, you would need to create an Object ID. 

Required documents:

For export of material from KZN, Eastern Cape or Western Cape that involves destructive analysis, the destructive sampling permit from the respective Heritage Authority must be submitted;

A consent letter from the accessioning institution.

The proposal should include (you can fill these in below):

a list of participants (name, affiliation, phone no, email addresses) and how they are involved; 

the name and address of the facility, including address, it is being analysed at;

name and address of the museum/university department that currently hosts the object;

names of the responsible person(s) during transport and while the fossil is at the facility; 

the period/time frame during which the fossil(s) will be outside the country; 

detailed information on the fossil(s), especially as it is a "unique" specimen;

detailed information on the research project behind it & methodology including expected outcomes (i.e., the reason for export); 

the written confirmation of the institution that currently hosts the object that the object may be used as proposed and be returned in good condition;

should there be any damage/destructive analysis (e.g., coating for higher resolution) undertaken, this needs to be stated in detail;

Statement why this study cannot be done in South Africa.

Applicant (name and affiliation): this is usually the museum curator!

Applied for (principal researcher):

Participants with affiliations, email addresses, phone numbers (& their role):

1) 

Role:

2) 

Role:

3) 

Role:

The material will be ___________(hand-carried or couriered) to ________ (facility/institution) in _____ (month, year) by ________ (name of person responsible for transport) and brought back by _____________ (leave blank if same person as above).

_________________ (name) will be involved with the _______ (e.g., transport/scanning) of objects and ____________________________________________________________________________________ (whatever else).

Institution incl. address that currently hosts the object:

Facility incl. address at which the experiment will be done:

Table of objects or upload file: 

Site including age at which object was found:

Time frame:

Transport to _______________ (facility): ______________________(date)

Return date: ___________________________ (date)

Aim/rationale:

Methodology (short):

Confirmation/permit by museum (Attached?):

Damage/destructive analysis? (if yes, explain in detail)

Statement why this study cannot be done in South Africa:

Filming Permit Guideline

Please complete for SAHRA filming permit application:

1. Crew member on site during filming will be:

2. Monitoring and supervision will be done by (representative/permitted researcher): 

3. Filming will take place in/at (site):

4. Filming equipment consists of: 

5. Filming will take place on (date) between (time):

6. Upload proof of payment of permit application fee

Filming permit application fee: R2000

SAHRA banking details:

Account Holder: South African Heritage Resources Authority

Bank: ABSA, Adderley Street, Cape Town

Account No: 406 416 0070

Branch Code: 632005

HOU Permits and Inquiries:

Which heritage objects are protected and what is the role of expert advisers?

Objects described on the List of Types of Objects, as declared in the Government Gazette of 6 December 2002, No. 1512, are protected objects in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999), and a permit in terms of the said act is required to export these objects from the country.  As SAHRA regulates the movement of these objects, this permit must be obtained from SAHRA, using the SAHRIS web-portal.

SAHRA may designate any person or any institution in South Africa as an expert examiner on the basis of his, her or its special knowledge, in terms of Section 32(10) of the NHRA.

On receipt of an application to export a heritage object SAHRA may refer it to one or more expert examiners, who must submit to SAHRA a written report on the application, in terms of Section 32(22) of the NHRA.

SAHRA must consider the report and can either
(a) issue a permit to export the object concerned, subject to such conditions, if any, as SAHRA considers necessary; or
(b) refuse to issue a permit in terms of Section 32(23) of the NHRA.

In considering an application to export any object an expert examiner and SAHRA must consider whether the object:
(a) is of outstanding significance by reason of its close association with South African history or culture, its aesthetic qualities, or its value in the study of the arts or sciences
(b) is of such a degree of national importance that its loss to South Africa would significantly diminish the national heritage,
and if satisfied that the object fulfils both these criteria may, or may not, issue a permit to export the object.

My permit to export a heritage object was denied. What are the appeal procedures?

Answer: 

In determining whether to issue a permit for the export of a cultural heritage object SAHRA must consider:

Whether the object is “outstanding significance by reason of its close association with South African history or culture, its aesthetic qualities, or  its value in the study of the arts or sciences” and

Whether the object is “of such a degree of national importance that its loss to South Africa would significantly diminish the national heritage”. 

In the event that SAHRA decides not to issue a permit for the export of a cultural heritage object the following procedure is required:

The applicant may, within 30 days after such refusal, by written notice require the compulsory purchase of the heritage object to which such refusal relates.

On receipt of such a notification SAHRA must

a)    if it considers that a fair offer to purchase the object might be made by a party in South Africa, establish a delay period of two to six months, or

b)    on its own behalf or on behalf of another party offer to purchase the object for cash or by compensation determined by the Ministers; or

c)    failing either of the above must issue a permit.

 Where SAHRA establishes a delay period, it:

a)    must give written notice of the delay period to the applicant and the Minister;

b)    must advise institutions and public authorities in South Africa of the delay period;

c)    may by advertise the delay period and the object and

d)    may stipulate that the heritage object be place on temporary loan with a specified institution.

SAHRA, in consultation with the Minister, may extend a delay period for two  years.

If, during a delay period, an offer is made but the applicant and party making the offer cannot agree, then a panel appointed by the Minister (consisting of equal representatives of dealers in heritage objects, museums and collectors of heritage objects) must determine the amount of a fair offer.

Where a delay period expires without a fair offer being made to purchase the heritage object concerned, SAHRA must forthwith on the request of the applicant issue a permit to export the heritage object.  Where a delay period expires and SAHRA is satisfied that a fair offer has been made, SAHRA may not issue an export permit.

 The above is, of course, based on the Act and the relevant extract is appended below:         

In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 (Act No.25 of 1999), no person may, without a permit from SAHRA, export a heritage object listed in the register of heritage objects provisionally declared in the Government Gazette Vol 240 No 21297 of 23 June 2000.  In the event that SAHRA refuses such a permit, the Act stipulates the procedure that must be followed.

(Extract from National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 (Act No.25 of 1999),Section 32(22)-32(32))

(22) On receipt of an application to export a heritage object SAHRA may refer it to one or more expert examiners, who must submit to SAHRA a written report on the application.

(23) SAHRA must consider the report and issue a permit to export the object concerned,

subject to such conditions, if any, as  SAHRA considers necessary; or

(b) refuse to issue a permit.

(24) In considering an application to export any object of a type listed in Part I of the register of heritage objects permanently, an expert examiner and SAHRA must consider whether the object-

(a) is of outstanding significance by reason of its close association  with South African history or culture, its aesthetic qualities, or  its value in the study of the arts or sciences; and

(b) is of such a degree of national importance that its loss to South Africa would significantly diminish the national heritage,  and if satisfied that the object fulfils both these criteria, may not recommend the issue of a permit, or issue a permit, as the case may be, to export the object permanently.

 (25) In the event of SAHRA refusing to issue an export permit the applicant may, within 30 days after such refusal, by written notice require the compulsory purchase of the heritage object to which such refusal relates.

(26) On receipt of a notification under subsection (25) SAHRA must-

(a) if it is of the opinion that a fair offer to purchase the object concerned might be made by a person or public authority in South Africa within the following six months, establish a delay period of not less than two months and not more than six months during which an export permit may not be issued in respect of such object, or

(b) on its own behalf or on behalf of a public institution or authority  in South Africa or a person who will undertake to keep the object in the country, offer to purchase the object either by an immediate cash payment or by payment of compensation in such manner as the Minister in consultation with the Minister of Finance may determine;

or

(c) in any other case, issue a permit to export the object concerned.

(27) Where SAHRA establishes a delay period under subsection (26)(a) in respect of a heritage object, it-

(a) must give written notice of the delay period to the applicant, and the Minister;

(b) must advise such institutions and public authorities in South Africa as it sees fit of the delay period and of the object in respect of which such delay period was established;

(c) may by public advertisement or any other means it deems appropriate make

known the delay period and the object in respect of which it was established; and

(d) may stipulate that the heritage object concerned is deposited on temporary loan with a specified South African museum or public authority for the duration of the delay period.

(28) SAHRA, in consultation with the Minister, may extend a delay period established under subsection (26)(a) for a maximum period of two  years.

(29) In the event that-

(a) during a delay period established under subsection (26)(a), an offer to purchase the heritage object concerned is made and the applicant and a public authority or person making such offer cannot agree as to the amount of a fair cash offer; or

(b) SAHRA and the applicant cannot agree as to the amount of a fair offer or compensation under subsection (26)(b), such dispute must be arbitrated by a panel appointed by the Minister, consisting of equal representatives of dealers in heritage objects, museums and collectors of heritage objects, which must determine the amount of a fair cash offer to purchase such heritage object and must notify the parties concerned and SAHRA thereof.

(30) Where a delay period established under subsection (26)(a) expires without a fair offer being made to purchase the heritage object concerned,  SAHRA must forthwith on the request of the applicant issue a permit to export such heritage object.

(31) Where a delay period established under subsection (26)(a) expires and SAHRA is satisfied that a fair offer to purchase the heritage object concerned has been made, SAHRA may not issue a permit to export such heritage object.

(32) A person who intends to import an object which is of a type listed in Part I of the register of heritage objects, for temporary purposes or in circumstances in which the person may subsequently wish to export the object, may apply to SAHRA for a certificate of exemption authorising the export of the object concerned for the period specified in the certificate.

SAHRIS Permit/ Application Guideline

For Applicants submitting PERMIT or DEVELOPMENT applications, these are the bare minimum steps required:

Log in to your account, if you do not have an account, please register. 

To start your application, go to the side bar menu and click on the square with a checkmark symbol, this will open the Application section. By clicking on the chevron at the bottom left of the page, the names of the symbols on the sidebar menu will be displayed. 

You are now in the application selector. 

Select the type of application to be created.

When creating a new S38 Development applications, please select the “Get a comment or decision on a development (S38).” 

Select the specific form you require. 

Depending to which province the application relates to, the forms presented will be either from SAHRA or from the regulating province. 

Please read through and agree to the Terms and Conditions. 

Complete the required information of the selected form.

Please Submit or Save the Draft. 

Please take note that no permit or application will be processed if the required documentation and information is not provided. The work time of each permit depends on if all required documentation and information has been submitted. The red asterisks indicate the minimum information required for each application to be submitted or saved to draft.